Houston reporter Kelly Iko recently mentioned on the show that the Rockets want to trade back a league-leading star to help young people grow, and they are waiting for Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun to become good players.
Kelly Iko has pointed out that Udoka pushed the Rockets to trade before the trade deadline last season, but management is not interested, and Stone wants to develop Amen and the White Devils.
The Rockets missed the playoffs last season, and Udoka was certainly not happy with the result. He jokingly said, "If I coach the Bucks or the 76ers, I'll make the playoffs."
Predictably, after the season, Udoka will ask Stone to upgrade the roster this summer and bring in reinforcements.
ESPN draft pundit Jonathan Givony mentioned that the Rockets want to bring in stars, and he gave a list. The first name on this list is Durant, which also includes Bridges, who Udoka likes, as well as role players like Brook Lopez and Smart.
Why Durant, he's too old, some Rockets fans don't understand.
Rockets head coach Udoka likes acquaintances and experienced veterans, and Durant fits both.
Udoka used to be an assistant coach with the Nets, and he also served as an assistant coach with the U.S. national team, and he has a good relationship with Durant.
Durant once admitted in an interview that he was happy to meet his old friend Udoka, and that they often talked "friendly trash talk" during games.
"FadeawayWorld" said that the Rockets would have to pay a lot of money if they wanted to trade for Durant. The Suns will likely want to get the three good chips of Amen, the White Devils and the 2024 No. 3 pick.
The American outlet has proposed a trade package: the Rockets send Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, the No. 3 pick and a 2026 Nets first-round pick to get Kevin Durant from the Suns.
If Udoka's initial plan had gone according to his initial plan, the two inexperienced rookies Amen and Whitmore wouldn't have had consistent playing time last season, but they were lucky. Ethan and Sengun were reimbursed early for the season, and Amen and Whitmore seized the opportunity to prove themselves.
The 21-year-old 2.01-meter-tall Amen averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 22 minutes per game last season, shooting 53.6% from the field and 13.8% from three-point range.
Whitmore, who is 19 years old and 2.01 meters tall, averaged 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 19 minutes per game last season, shooting 45.4% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range.
Amen and Whitmore do have talent, but admit their shortcomings. Amen's dribbling and shooting have left him unfit for the playmaking guard position at the moment, and Whitmore's passing and defense aren't completely reassuring.
Udoka's goal for next season is to make the playoffs, and he doesn't have much patience to tolerate young mistakes in a situation like this.
Durant is an All-Star veteran who fits Udoka's requirements, and he can also solve the Rockets' current problems.
First, the Rockets are weak in defense and weak in offense, lack of outside firepower, and need a star who can score consistently. Durant is still a top star in the league, averaging 26.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 blocks in 42 minutes per game in the playoffs last season, shooting 5.2% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range and 82.4% from the free throw line.
Second, the Rockets are looking for a mentor. Durant has always admired Alperen Sengun, who also coached Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. in the offseason.
Third, the Rockets need a star to raise awareness and make money. Durant brings his own traffic, and he has huge commercial value.
Is it worth it for the Rockets to send talented young players and multiple first-round picks for Durant? Some fans think it's okay, others don't think it's worth it. There are also fans who believe that Amen and the White Devils can become superstars and should not be sent away as a trade chip.